Annabelle Eva Hodges

Annabelle Eva Jacobs Songe Hodges, 95, was called home to be with her Lord in Navasota, Texas, where she was living near her son, on Saturday, July 4, 2015. She was born on November 21, 1919 in Beaumont, Texas where she lived as a prominent member of the community for over 85 years of her life. She was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, John Dee Hodges, Sr.; parents, Lucille Williams Songe and Andrew Jacobs, Sr., and step-father, Leonard Songe, Sr.; brothers, Steven Kokenes, Andrew Jacobs, Jr., Leonard (Sonny) Songe, Jr, and Joseph (Buddy) Songe ; sisters, Laura Boring, and Loraine Slaymaker,.

Ann is survived by her son John Dee Hodges and wife Laura; daughter Linda Paulk and husband Malcome; grandchildren Scott Hodges and wife Debra, Jennifer Hodges, Ravis LeBlanc and wife Kathy, Tommy LeBlanc and wife Kellie, Dennis LeBlanc and wife Eva, Brian Paulk and wife Shelly, Christina Huckaby and husband Clarence, Lisa Pitts and husband David, and Clarisa Daaboul and husband Jason; and great-grandchildren who number too many blessings to list.

In her almost century of living, Ann realized many accomplishments. She was a fiercely devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, never failing in her willingness to do for others, and simply known to all as, “Mamaw.” She was among the first of her generation’s working mothers, and it was through her work as a carhop at the Pig Stand that it all began… She met her husband, J.D. there, and as she always said, “The rest is history!” They married, started their family, and eventually made their way to Shelton’s restaurant, which they managed until the death of its owner. Upon his passing, they took ownership of Shelton’s until they both retired from the restaurant business. And though the restaurant is now gone, its legacy lives on.

Even after retirement, Mamaw continued to work. She worked as a floral designer at Johnsen’s Florist for many more years. Her flower arrangements were some of the best because she had creativity in abundance! She sewed…her children’s school clothes, dresses for nieces and grandchildren, quilts, both big and small, and even a few Barbie clothes. She made a 2 story doll house, complete with electric lights, all from a cardboard brick-look fireplace that she cut apart. She was the ultimate “Jack (Jill) of All Trades,” who didn’t know the word “can’t.” At any given time in her life, she could be found cooking for all and packing up “togo” plates for those who could use an extra meal; baking wedding cakes (and hosting weddings); gardening (to create an award winning yard); laying her own concrete patio; building her own fish pond; and even creating her very own camper, complete with working sink and potty (Yes, she DID…a garden hose can work magic!)

She and her husband were married almost 50 years when he died. They were only separated during the years that J.D. served in WWII. They both loved to travel and entertain family and friends. Vegas was a favorite destination, and Friday night poker games, shared with her brothers and sisters, a favorite form of entertainment. After J.D.’s passing in 1988, he lived on in Ann’s every thought for the 27 years she lived without him. In her last year, she often spoke of needing to find him. And now she has.